Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. The organization is dedicated to delivering impactful humanitarian assistance and fostering community resilience, aiming to help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. The IRC has a long-standing presence in Somalia, having initiated its support in the early 1980s and resuming operations in 2007 to address the needs of the population amidst ongoing crises, including the recent catastrophic drought.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director is responsible for leading the overall strategy, staff, programs, and operations of the IRC in Somalia. This role demands a high level of accountability and client-focused delivery, ensuring that the organization’s mission is effectively advanced through strong leadership and partnership-building. The Country Director will oversee a diverse portfolio of humanitarian, recovery, and development programs, ensuring their coherent and principled delivery. This position requires a strategic thinker who can navigate complex environments, manage risks, and provide direction to senior managers while ensuring the design and delivery of high-quality programs. The role also involves engaging with various stakeholders, including government entities, donors, and civil society, to enhance the IRC's influence and operational effectiveness in Somalia.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Representation: The Country Director will lead the country program by fostering professional relationships among colleagues, promoting teamwork, and providing necessary resources for staff success. They will develop strategies for effective representation with government authorities, donors, and NGOs, ensuring the IRC remains a preferred partner for major international donors. The role includes maintaining a deep understanding of donor priorities and seeking opportunities to elevate the IRC's profile in Somalia.
• Strategic Direction, Program Quality and Growth: The Country Director will set the strategic vision for the country program, ensuring alignment with sectoral expertise and technical standards. They will oversee program quality through rigorous assessment and monitoring processes, ensuring responsiveness to national and regional issues.
• Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Management: The Country Director will manage safety and security for the country program, maintaining a culture of safety and ensuring staff preparedness for emergencies.
• Staff Performance Management and Development: The role involves supervising and mentoring staff, promoting career development, and ensuring adherence to HR policies.
• Stewardship and Operational Management: The Country Director will drive operational excellence, ensuring compliance with IRC and donor requirements while seeking efficiencies in business processes.
• Communications: The role requires fostering open communication within the IRC and with external partners, promoting the principles of the IRC Way throughout the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong leadership abilities and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record in developing networks and partnerships. A graduate degree in a relevant field is required, along with at least 10 years of progressive international work experience, including leadership at the Country Director level in complex environments. Candidates should have experience in conflict or disaster response situations and demonstrate professional fluency in English, both written and spoken. Additionally, candidates should have experience managing security in rapidly changing contexts, strong budget oversight capabilities, and a history of successful representation and fundraising.

Educational Background:
A graduate degree in a relevant field is essential for this position. This educational background should ideally be complemented by specialized training or certifications related to humanitarian work, leadership, or management in complex environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive international work experience, including leadership roles at the Country Director level overseeing multi-site, multi-sectoral operations. Candidates should have experience in conflict or post-conflict settings and disaster response, demonstrating the ability to manage large teams effectively in challenging environments.

Languages:
Professional fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills relevant to the region may be considered advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Mogadishu or Nairobi and may require approximately 50% travel within and outside the region for workshops, meetings, and representation. The role demands a commitment to the IRC's core values and principles, including safeguarding and accountability. The IRC emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive work environment for all staff, promoting healthy work-life balance practices, and ensuring competitive compensation packages for national staff.